Mapping Chicago's early-stage clean energy and sustainability startups

TechNexus is tracking early-stage energy and sustainability startups in Chicago that have raised a combined $380M in funding. From solar innovation and grid storage to carbon capture and sustainable materials, this market map covers the ventures powering the clean energy transition.

Through our Reinventing Industry series, TechNexus Venture Collaborative is actively tracking over 1,000 early-stage startups in Chicago. In this edition, we’re looking at early-stage energy and sustainability-focused startups, which have raised $380 million in cumulative funding over the course of their lifespans. With a range of technologies represented across hardware and software products — including battery systems, novel fuel technologies, grid optimization software, carbon accounting platforms, and more — these ventures are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry today. Areas TechNexus is Excited About Battery / Energy Storage: In the ever evolving race of improving the efficiency, safety, and power of battery technology, companies like Natrion and Haylon Technologies are two promising ventures in this space. With several potential corporate customers in the mobility, manufacturing, and aviation space locally headquartered, battery tech ventures are seeing significant traction across these industries. Experts estimate that only 5% of all batteries that have reached the end of their commercial life have been recycled. Ventures like Renewance have emerged offering battery lifecycle & recycling solutions for industrial companies. Energy Marketplaces: A plethora of renewable energy resources now exist on the market. In order to balance supply and demand, and effectively monetize energy products across a dynamic, distributed energy grid, marketplace solutions have sprouted up. From general energy market infrastructure ( ElectronX ), to hydrogen procurement marketplaces ( BlackCurrant ), to blockchain-based legers ( Innovo ), local ventures are providing solutions to key areas of the energy value chain. Grid Management: Modern grids require smarter, data-driven solutions to predict and prevent failures, especially with the complex integration of DERs (distributed energy resources). Ventures such as QiloWatt and Sigora are leveraging A

By Joey Alfieri at TechNexus Venture Collaborative